13 Tips to Reduce Stress During Pregnancy

Look, we all have stress. With work, with family, with friends, with other drivers on the road I mean, really, is it that hard to use a blinker???

Exhale.

OK, stress can quickly and easily get the best of us. And when you throw pregnancy into the mix, even more stressors arise, but you want to keep stress to a minimum because it can negatively affect your unborn baby. So what’s an expecting momma to do? There are some pretty easy and simply ways to reduce your stress level during pregnancy and. just. chill. out.

After the jump, check out 13 Tips to Reduce Stress During Pregnancy.

Say ‘No’ & Slow Down 1 of 13

Learning the art of saying, "No" can really benefit your pregnant life. You don't have to attend every event, you don't have to agree to every play date, and you don't have to pick up your hubby's dry cleaning. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's OK to slow down and say, "No."
Source: BabyCenterPhoto via Flickr: Creative Commons

Talk About It With Friends 2 of 13

Chances are, if you're feeling stressed out about X, Y, and Z, you've got a good friend who's been there too. Or, at the very least, is there to listen. Venting about what's causing you stress can be a huge relief. Don't have anyone you can confide in? Try an in-person or online support group.
Source: Psych CentralPhoto via Flickr: Creative Commons

Keep a Daily Journal 3 of 13

I can tell you firsthand that writing is oh-so therapeutic. Getting "it" out, whether it be sadness, confusion, worry or yes, stress keeping a daily journal will help reduce your stress more than you can imagine.
Source: Baby MedPhoto via Flickr: Creative Commons

Have More Sex 4 of 13

Having sex, and specifically having an orgasm, is proven to reduce anxiety, tension, and stress. Sure, you might not be feeling your sexiest, but try to get in the mood and get it on. You will feel better.
Source: Baby MedPhoto: iStockphoto

Ask For Help 5 of 13

There's so much pressure these days to be a do-it-all woman. Work. House chores. Shopping. Driving the kids. Maintaining an active social calendar. No wonder we're under so much stress! Remember that it's OK to ask for help. And you'll likely be surprised just how many people are eager and willing and happy! to help you.
Source: March of DimesPhoto: iStockphoto

Eat Well 6 of 13

What you eat can affect your mood, so stay away from "junk" and foods that have a high glycemic index because these will spike your blood sugar levels and lead to what our household calls becoming "hangry" a mix of hunger and anger from not eating well.
Source: March of DimesPhoto: iStockphoto

Make Sleep a Priority 7 of 13

If your schedule is anything like mine, you likely don't have the luxury of napping in the middle of the day. But rest is outrageously important, especially when you're pregnant. Force yourself to go to bed earlier than usual, commit to a half-hour nap when you get home from work, and make sure you get enough shut-eye.
Source: Psych CentralPhoto: iStockphoto

Meditate 8 of 13

Who has time to meditate, you ask? Meditation doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out event. Give yourself 10 minutes each morning, or when you get home from work (before your nap!) to quiet and clear your mind. It takes a little getting used to at first, because we've programmed ourselves to go-go-go. But you'll find that after a couple of minutes of sitting and breathing, your body will guide your mind to quietness.
Source: Baby MedPhoto via Flickr: Creative Commons

Help reduce your stress with acupuncture. The ancient Chinese practice brings balance to your body and mind, which gives you a better sense of well being and improves overall health. I do it, and I love it!
Source: Baby MedPhoto: iStockphoto

Exercise 11 of 13

Release those endorphins, ladies! These natural pain and stress relievers work wonders for reducing your anxieties and worries. As long as your doctor has OKed you for it, take a brisk walk, go for a swim, or join a yoga class.
Source: March of DimesPhoto: iStockphoto

Cut Back on Chores 12 of 13

Huh? How will the house get cleaned? Listen, you likely don't live in a pigsty, so give yourself a break! The sky won't fall if you don't make your bed every morning, and the windows can wait to get washed. Take care of yourself and don't stress over the little things.
Source: Baby CenterPhoto: iStockphoto

Seek Professional Help 13 of 13

If you're having a really hard time, and your days are filled with anxiety and stress that's getting in the way of your life, seek professional help. You're a bundle of emotions and your body is being taxed in a way unequal to any other life experience. If you need help, get it.
Source: March of DimesPhoto: iStockphoto

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